Sgt. Richard Pretto, left, and PFC Robert Puleo, right, with U.S. Army, 50th BSTB, carry a pot of water which will be used to boil chicken that is being served to residents and workers outside the Sea Bright Fire Dept. / STAFF PHOTO / MARY FRANK

SEA BRIGHT — Traffic was moving steadily along Route 36 Wednesday — the first day the storm-ravaged borough opened the road to the public since superstorm Sandy.

Passers-by slowed down to view the damaged beachfront homes and businesses, some snapping photos.

The borough removed all checkpoints and obstacles that prevented access to the town, including at the Rumson Bridge, according to its website.

“Although the borough will be open to all traffic, our Police Department will remain vigilant in patrolling Ocean Avenue and its surrounding neighborhoods to ensure our properties remain safe and secure,” the website said.

A few residents and business owners said it was too soon to welcome outsiders into the city.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Teresa Bowler, owner of Donovan’s Reef, a beach club on Route 36 destroyed by the storm. “I think (traffic) is going to hinder rebuilding.”

Bowler said tourists were parked in the parking lot of her business, blocking construction trucks from entering the area.

The increased traffic also created congestion in front of the downtown staging area, where volunteers have cooked food and collected clothing, water and toiletries for the past two weeks.

“I think it was a little more chaotic,” organizer Chris Wood said. “But we operated very smoothly.”

Thousands of residents, rescue workers and construction crews have visited the staging area. Army troops were at the site assisting with operations Wednesday. Wood said volunteers serve at least 2,000 meals a day for lunch, and about 250 meals for breakfast and dinner.

“The unfortunate thing is there is nowhere to eat since every business is literally closed,” Wood said. “We’ve got everything and anything people would request.”

Borough resident Mary Sanborn and her son, Eugene, were at the staging area getting food and clothing. The first floor of their Island View Way condo is a total loss. The family has been staying at hotels or with family and friends while they await rebuilding.

Mary Sanborn said she was relieved to see traffic opening up, after waiting several hours to access her home in the days after superstorm Sandy.

However, she and Eugene agree that the public is causing a hassle.

“I am unhappy they are letting everyone down here,” said Eugene, 27. “There are a lot of people stopping through and they are in the way.”